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July 2021 Covid Policy Update

Dear Families:

As we pass the midpoint of summer and consider the coming school year, we want to share our approach and thoughts regarding Covid, the Delta variant, and vaccinations:

  1. Our stance on masks, distancing, and other mitigation strategies will continue to be, “Follow the experts," meaning we will follow guidance coming from the Vermont’s Agency of Education (AOE), Department of Health, and Governor’s office. We hope Vermont continues to operate without restrictions, but we also recognize the Covid situation remains fluid.
  2. As an independent school that serves the public, we will follow AOE guidance regarding vaccines requirements; currently, the AOE is not requiring vaccinations for students, faculty or staff. That said, we estimate that over 95% of our faculty and staff are fully vaccinated.
  3. We continue to urge all students to get vaccinated not only to protect themselves, but to keep the Delta variant out of our community. The Delta variant is causing a major increase in Covid infections in the United States and has become the dominant strain worldwide. Those of us who are vaccinated continue to be protected, but this variant poses a significant threat to those who are unvaccinated. 
  4. A further thought for those who have not yet gotten vaccinated: it is becoming clear that the coronavirus will be with us for years. Over time, it will be almost impossible to avoid exposure, so the question becomes whether there is greater risk in getting Covid or in taking the vaccine. We encourage those who are unvaccinated to keep researching and conferring with your medical professional, and to consider enhancing your protection by getting vaccinated.

We are incredibly proud of how this community has handled Covid restrictions and embraced vaccinations. Let’s hope Vermont and BBA continue to lead the nation in our collective approach to combating Covid.

Sincerely,

Mark H. Tashjian                 Meg Kenny
Headmaster                        Associate Head
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